Method for assembling a storage device

ABSTRACT

A storage device assembly fixture comprises a platform configured to receive an external cover for a storage device, the external cover having a first face and a second face generally parallel to and opposing the first face, the first face coupled to the second face at a back end of the external cover, the first face defining a first edge at a front end of the external cover opposite the back end, and the second face defining a second edge at the front end; a first finger configured to engage the first edge; a second finger configured to engage the second edge; and a pivot assembly coupled to the second finger, the pivot assembly rotatable about a pivot axis and configured to pivot the second finger away from the first finger.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/604,145, filed on Oct. 22, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

External storage devices typically comprise a storage device packagedwithin an external cover. The storage device may include any type ofdigital storage media, such as a conventional disk drive or asolid-state drive, while the external cover provides, inter alia,protection for fragile electronic components, and a desired form factorand design. Often, the storage device and the external cover aremanufactured in separate processes and then integrated at a laterassembly stage.

In many manufacturing lines, the assembly stage for inserting thestorage device within the external cover is manually performed, andsignificant time and human resources may be employed to accomplish thisrelatively simple task. As a result, the final assembly becomes abottleneck in the manufacturing process, limiting overall production andincreasing labor costs.

There is therefore a need for an improved fixture for assemblingexternal storage devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device assembly fixture,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an external cover, according to one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the external cover of FIG. 2A, according toone illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the external cover of FIG. 2A,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a storage device, according to one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pivot assembly of the storage deviceassembly fixture of FIG. 1, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the storage deviceassembly fixture of FIG. 1, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a bottom finger of thestorage device assembly fixture of FIG. 1 about to engage the externalcover, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a top finger of the storagedevice assembly fixture of FIG. 1, according to one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for a method of assembling an externalstorage device, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the storage device assembly fixture ofFIG. 1 with an external cover inserted therein, according to oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a side view of the storage device assembly fixture of FIG. 1before the top and bottom fingers engage the external cover, accordingto one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged side view of the storage device assembly fixtureof FIG. 1 as the top and bottom fingers engage the external cover,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the storage device assembly fixture of FIG. 1before the top fingers are pivoted away from the bottom fingers,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the storage device assembly fixture of FIG. 1showing the top fingers pivoted away from the bottom fingers, accordingto one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a storage device being inserted within theexternal cover, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the storage device being insertedwithin the external cover, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the top fingers being pivoted backtowards the bottom fingers after insertion of the storage device,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top fingers and the bottom fingers beingretracted away from the external cover, according to one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the external cover and the storage deviceready for removal from the storage device assembly fixture of FIG. 1,according to one illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a storage device assembly fixture 100 isillustrated, according to one embodiment. The storage device assemblyfixture 100 comprises a platform 102, a first finger 104 a, a secondfinger 106 a and a pivot assembly 108. The platform 102 is configured toreceive an external cover (not shown in FIG. 1) for a storage device.The external cover 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C and is discussed ingreater detail below. With reference to FIGS. 2A-C, the external cover110 has a first face 112 and a second face 114 generally parallel to andopposing the first face 114, the first face 112 coupled to the secondface 114 at a back end 116 of the external cover 110, the first face 112defining a first edge 118 at a front end 120 of the external cover 110opposite the back end 116, and the second face 114 defining a secondedge 122 at the front end 120. Returning to FIG. 1, the first finger 104a is configured to engage the first edge 118 of the external cover 110,and the second finger 106 a is configured to engage the second edge 122of the external cover 110. The pivot assembly 108 is coupled to thesecond finger 106 a and is rotatable about a pivot axis A. The pivotassembly 108 is configured to pivot the second finger 106 a away fromthe first finger 104 a.

The storage device assembly fixture 100 may comprise any of a variety ofassembly fixtures configured to receive an external cover for anexternal storage device. In one embodiment, the storage device assemblyfixture 100 is designed to receive and deform the external cover 110 inorder to enable insertion of a storage device. In some embodiments, thestorage device assembly fixture 100 comprises one of a number ofmachines in a manufacturing line. Although illustrated with a singleplatform 102, the storage device assembly fixture 100 may also bedesigned to receive more than one external cover 110 at a time. Althoughdifferent components of the storage device assembly fixture 100 may bemade from different materials, in one embodiment, the storage deviceassembly fixture 100 is primarily made from durable metals (e.g.,stainless steel), to maximize the useful life of the machine.

The platform 102 is sized and configured to receive at least a portionof the external cover 110 and may be formed from any of a variety ofmaterials. In one embodiment, the platform 102 may comprise asubstantially solid, rectangular, metallic surface upon which at least aportion of the external cover 110 may rest. Of course, the platform 102may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes and may include one ormore holes of varying sizes. In one embodiment, the platform 102 isconfigured to receive the first face 112 of the external cover 110, andthe platform 102 may be larger or smaller than the first face 112. Inother embodiments, the platform 102 may be otherwise configured toreceive the external cover 110; for example, the platform 102 may beconfigured to receive the second face 114 of the external cover 110. Asillustrated, the platform 102 may be oriented at an angle to asupporting surface (e.g., the ground), such that the external cover 110may be easily and repeatably positioned thereon. This angle may bevaried in different embodiments, and, in some embodiments, the platform102 may be approximately level with the supporting surface.

The first finger 104 a is configured to engage the first edge 118 of theexternal cover 110. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the first finger104 a is a bottom finger of the storage device assembly fixture 100, andthe first face 112 is received by the platform 102. In otherembodiments, of course, the first finger 104 a may comprise a top orside finger of the storage device assembly fixture 100. The first finger104 a may include a ledge at its end extending at a ninety-degree angleto the rest of the first finger 104 a, as illustrated in greater detailin FIG. 6. This ledge may provide better purchase between the firstfinger 104 a and the external cover 110 and may be larger or smaller andextend at different angles relative to the rest of the first finger 104a in different embodiments. Of course, in other embodiments, differentlysized and shaped fingers may be used, depending upon the shape, size andorientation of the external cover 110 when positioned within the storagedevice assembly fixture 100.

The first finger 104 a may be formed from a variety of materials. In oneembodiment, the first finger 104 a is principally formed from metal. Thefirst finger 104 a may also include a pliable material along at least aportion of the first finger 104 a configured to engage the first edge118, as illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, thispliable material may comprise a urethane or silicon rubber coatingformed along an internal surface of the first finger 104 a configured toengage the external cover 110. Other materials and configurations may beused in other embodiments. For example, the first finger 104 a may beformed entirely from the more pliable material.

The second finger 106 a is configured to engage the second edge 122 ofthe external cover 110. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the secondfinger 106 a is a top finger of the storage device assembly fixture 100,and the second face 112 is spaced apart from the platform 102. In otherembodiments, of course, the second finger 106 a may comprise a bottom orside finger of the storage device assembly fixture 100. The secondfinger 106 a may include at least one ledge at its end extending at aninety-degree angle to the rest of the second finger 106 a, asillustrated in greater detail in FIG. 7. Indeed, as illustrated in theFigures, the second finger 106 a may include two separate ledges at itsend. These ledges may provide better purchase between the second finger106 a and the external cover 110 during rotation and may be larger orsmaller and extend at different angles relative to the rest of thesecond finger 106 a in different embodiments. Of course, in otherembodiments, differently sized and shaped fingers may be used, dependingupon the shape, size and orientation of the external cover 110 whenpositioned within the storage device assembly fixture 100.

The second finger 106 a may be formed from a variety of materials. Inone embodiment, the second finger 106 a is principally formed frommetal. The second finger 106 a may also include a pliable material alongat least a portion of the second finger 106 a configured to engage thesecond edge 122, as illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 7. In oneembodiment, this pliable material may comprise a urethane or siliconrubber coating formed along an internal surface of the second finger 106a configured to engage the external cover 110. Other materials andconfigurations may be used in other embodiments. For example, the secondfinger 106 a may be formed entirely from the more pliable material.

In some embodiments, the storage device assembly fixture 100 includesadditional fingers. The illustrated storage device assembly fixture 100includes four fingers, and more or fewer fingers may be employed. Asillustrated, a third finger 104 b may be spaced apart from the firstfinger 104 a and configured to engage the first edge 118, and a fourthfinger 106 b may be spaced apart from the second finger 106 a andconfigured to engage the second edge 122. In some embodiments, the thirdfinger 104 b may be configured generally similarly to the first finger104 a, although, in other embodiments, they may be configured quitedifferently. Similarly, the fourth finger 106 b may be configuredgenerally similarly to the third finger 106 a, although, in otherembodiments, they may be configured differently. As described in greaterdetail below, each of the fingers 104 a, 104 b, 106 a, 106 b may beindependently moveable to provide flexible control of the storage deviceassembly fixture 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the movement ofone or more of these fingers 104 a, 104 b, 106 a, 106 b may be coupled.

The pivot assembly 108 is coupled to the second finger 106 a and isrotatable about the pivot axis A. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly108 includes one or more shafts that define the pivot axis A. In otherembodiments, other configurations may be used in order to enable thepivoting action of the pivot assembly 108. The pivot assembly 108 may beconfigured to pivot the second finger 106 a away from the first finger104 a during operation, thus moving the second edge 122 of the externalcover 110 away from the first edge 118 of the external cover 110. Oncethe edges 118, 122 and the respective faces 112, 114 have beenseparated, a storage device may be inserted within the external cover110, and the assembly process may be completed. It may be seen that therotation of the pivot assembly 108 is particularly well-suited tospreading an external cover 110 that is shaped generally like a book, asdescribed in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the storage device assembly fixture 100 furtherincludes a table 124 that serves as a base for supporting the othercomponents. The table 124 may comprise a metallic base positioned suchthat it is easily accessible by an operator.

In some embodiments, operation of the storage device assembly fixture100 may be substantially automated. The storage device assembly fixture100 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC) (not shown)configured to control movement of the second finger 106 a. This same PLCmay also be used to control other actuators configured to move differentcomponents within the storage device assembly fixture 100 and may becoupled to and responsive to one or more sensors positioned at variouslocations in the storage device assembly fixture 100. In otherembodiments, different electronic circuitry may be included to controlthe storage device assembly fixture 100.

In one embodiment, the PLC may be coupled to another computing devicethat may control the storage device assembly fixture 100 via the PLC inaccordance with a manufacturing algorithm. As illustrated, the storagedevice assembly fixture 100 may also, or alternatively, include aphysical interface for controlling the operation of the storage deviceassembly fixture 100. This physical interface may include a plurality ofbuttons, such as, start buttons 126, an emergency stop button 128, and areset button 130. Of course, in other embodiments, a different physicalinterface (associated with the same or different functions) may beimplemented. Moreover, some or all of the functionality of this physicalinterface may instead be implemented in computer code executed by acomputing device coupled to the PLC.

FIGS. 2A-2C show top, side and perspective views of the external cover110. In one embodiment, the external cover 110 is sized and configuredto engage and at least partially surround a storage device. Asillustrated, the external cover 110 may be shaped generally like a bookhaving three sides, including the first face 112 and the second face 114generally parallel to and opposing the first face 112. Different indentsand protrusions may be formed along the inside surfaces of the externalcover 110 (as illustrated) in order to produce a tight, mating fitbetween the storage device and the external cover 110. In otherembodiments, of course, the external cover 110 may be differentlyconfigured. The external cover 110 may serve a number of differentpurposes. In one embodiment, the external cover 110 may partiallyprotect the storage device from impacts and may provide aestheticappeal. Meanwhile, portions of a storage device positioned within theexternal cover 110 may be exposed through the external cover 110 inorder to facilitate communication between an external computing deviceand the storage device.

In one embodiment, the external cover 110 comprises a deformablethermoplastic, which may be formed by any of a variety of manufacturingmethods. For example, the external cover 110 may be molded to form theshape illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, or the external cover 110 may beassembled from smaller molded parts. In other embodiments, the externalcover 110 may comprise other materials, such as other plastics ormetals.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example storage device 132 that may be inserted atleast partially within the external cover 110. In one embodiment, thestorage device 132 may comprise a disk drive utilizing rotating storagemedia. In another embodiment, the storage device 132 may use solid statestorage media, such as flash memory. In still other embodiments, otherdigital media may be employed within the storage device 132. In someembodiments, the storage device 132 includes circuitry and interfacesdesigned for external communication with a computing device; however, inother embodiments, one or more separate components may provide theinterface between the storage device 132 and a computing device.

The storage device 132 may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes. Insome embodiments, conventional disk drive form factors (e.g., 5¼″, 3½″,2½″ or 1″) may be used. The storage device 132 may also includedifferent indents and protrusions in order to produce a tight, matingfit between the storage device 132 and the external cover 110. Asillustrated, the storage device 132 may further include a more ruggedprotective layer 134 extending along at least a section of the storagedevice 132. In one embodiment, this protective layer 134 may remainexposed once the storage device 132 has been inserted within theexternal cover 110 and may thus provide some of the protective/aestheticqualities also provided by the external cover 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates the pivot assembly 108 of the storage device assemblyfixture 100 in greater detail. In one embodiment, a pair of concentricshafts 136 a, 136 b defines the pivot axis A about which the pivotassembly 108 is configured to rotate. These shafts 136 a, b may bereceived within corresponding recesses in the storage device assemblyfixture 100 and allowed to spin freely therein. In other embodiments,more or fewer shafts 136 a, b or different configurations may be used inorder to enable the pivoting action of the pivot assembly 108.

In one embodiment, the storage device assembly fixture 100 includes alinear actuator (not shown) moveable in engagement with the pivotassembly 108 and configured to cause the pivot assembly 108 to pivot thesecond finger 106 a away from the first finger 104 a. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pivot assembly 108 may include a bar 138 distanced radiallyfrom the shafts 136 a, b. This bar 138 may be engaged by the linearactuator in order to pivot the pivot assembly 108. In one embodiment,the bar 138 is metallic. In other embodiments, other relatively stiffmaterials may be used. Of course, in still other embodiments, otherstructures or configurations may be employed in order to cause the pivotassembly 108 to rotate about the pivot axis A.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the second and fourth fingers 106 a, 106 b ingreater detail. In one embodiment, the second finger 106 a is coupled toa second finger actuator 140 a coupled to the pivot assembly 108. Whenthe external cover 110 is loaded in the storage device assembly fixture100, the second finger actuator 140 a is configured to move the secondfinger 106 a along a second plane extending generally parallel with thesecond face 114 between a second disengaged position apart from thesecond edge 122 and a second engaged position adjacent the second edge122. The direction of movement of the second finger actuator 140 a isillustrated by the axis 142. In one embodiment, the fourth finger 106 bmay also be coupled to a fourth finger actuator 140 b configured to moveindependently from the second finger actuator 140 a and coupled to thepivot assembly 108. The fourth finger actuator 140 b is configured tomove the fourth finger 106 b along the second plane between a fourthdisengaged position apart from the second edge 122 and a fourth engagedposition adjacent the second edge 122. Thus, in one embodiment, thesecond and fourth fingers 106 a, 106 b may be independently moveablealong the axis 142. This may enable the storage device assembly fixture100 to accommodate the external cover 110, even when the second edge 122is not perfectly aligned within the storage device assembly fixture 100.

In some embodiments, the second finger actuator 140 a may be furtherconfigured to apply a bias force pushing the second finger 106 a againstthe second edge 122 while the pivot assembly 108 rotates. As the pivotassembly 108 rotates, the external cover 110 is spread apart, and thesecond face 114 may slightly deform. By applying a bias force to pushthe second finger 106 a against the second edge 122, the second finger106 a may be kept in constant contact with the second edge 122 even asthe material of the second face 114 deforms. In some embodiments, thefourth finger actuator 140 b may be similarly configured to apply a biasforce pushing the fourth finger 106 b against the second edge 122 whilethe pivot assembly 108 rotates.

The second and fourth finger actuators 140 a, b may include any of avariety of motors. In one embodiment, the second and fourth fingeractuators 140 a, b may comprise electrical/electromechanical motors. Inother embodiments, the second and fourth finger actuators 140 a, b mayinclude hydraulic motors. In one embodiment, the second finger actuator140 a is configured to generate the bias force by air pressure. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, other structures may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom portion of the storage device assemblyfixture 100 in greater detail. As illustrated, the storage deviceassembly fixture 100 may include a nest 144 configured to receive theback end 116 of the external cover 110. When the external cover 110 isproperly seated within the storage device assembly fixture 100, thefirst face 112 may be positioned on the platform 102, and the back end116 of the external cover 110 may be positioned against the nest 144.The nest 144 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment,the nest 144 may be generally concave in order to easily and securelyreceive the back end 116.

The storage device assembly fixture 100 may further comprise a biasactuator 146 coupled to a side of the nest 144 and configured to exert abias force against at least one side edge of the external cover 110extending between the back end 116 and the front end 120 in order toposition the external cover 110. The bias actuator 146 may push theexternal cover 110 against the opposite wall 148, in order to repeatablyand precisely position the external cover 110 within the storage deviceassembly fixture 100. The bias actuator 146 may include any of a varietyof motors, such as electrical/electromechanical motors or hydraulicmotors.

In some embodiments, the nest 144 includes at least one sensor in orderto facilitate the automated operation of the storage device assemblyfixture 100. In one embodiment, the nest 144 includes a cover loadedsensor 150 configured to detect the external cover 110 positionedagainst the nest 144. As illustrated, the cover loaded sensor 150 maycomprise an optical sensor positioned near a rear of the storage deviceassembly fixture 100. In other embodiments, other types of sensors maybe deployed in other positions within the storage device assemblyfixture 100 in order to detect the external cover 110 positioned againstthe nest 144.

In another embodiment, the nest 144 includes a storage device loadedsensor 152 configured to detect the storage device 132 positioned withinthe external cover 110. This storage device loaded sensor 152 maycomprise an optical sensor positioned adjacent the bias actuator 146. Inother embodiments, other types of sensors may be deployed in otherpositions in order to detect the storage device 132 positioned withinthe external cover 110. As described above, a PLC may be coupled tothese sensors 150, 152 and may control the storage device assemblyfixture 100 based upon electrical signals received therefrom.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first finger 104 a may be coupled to afirst finger actuator 154 a. When the external cover 110 is loaded inthe storage device assembly fixture 100, the first finger actuator 154 amay be configured to move the first finger 104 a along a first planeextending generally parallel with the first face 112 between a firstdisengaged position apart from the first edge 118 and a first engagedposition adjacent the first edge 118. The direction of movement of thefirst finger actuator 154 a is illustrated by the axis 156. In oneembodiment, the third finger 104 b may be coupled to a third fingeractuator 154 b configured to move independently from the first fingeractuator 154 a. The third finger actuator 154 b is configured to movethe third finger 104 b along the first plane between a third disengagedposition apart from the first edge 118 and a third engaged positionadjacent the first edge 118. Thus, in one embodiment, the first andthird fingers 104 a, 104 b may be independently moveable along the axis156. This may enable the storage device assembly fixture 100 toaccommodate the external cover 110, even when the first edge 118 is notperfectly aligned within the storage device assembly fixture 100.

The first and third finger actuators 154 a, b may include any of avariety of motors. In one embodiment, the first and third fingeractuators 154 a, b may comprise electrical/electromechanical motors. Inother embodiments, the first and third finger actuators 154 a, b mayinclude hydraulic motors.

The storage device assembly fixture 100 may further include a firstelevator actuator 158 a coupled to the first finger 104 a. The firstelevator actuator 158 a may be configured to move the first finger 104 afrom an unaligned position wherein no portion of the first finger 104 aextends between first and second planes extending generally parallelwith the first and second faces 112, 114, respectively, to an alignedposition wherein at least some portion of the first finger 104 a extendsbetween the first and second planes. In other words, the first elevatoractuator 158 a may be configured to move the first finger 104 a alongthe axis 160. In one embodiment, the third finger 104 b may be coupledto a third elevator actuator 158 b configured to move independently fromthe first elevator actuator 158 a. The third elevator actuator 158 b maybe configured to move the third finger 104 b from an unaligned positionwherein no portion of the third finger 104 b extends between first andsecond planes extending generally parallel with the first and secondfaces 112, 114, respectively, to an aligned position wherein at leastsome portion of the third finger 104 b extends between the first andsecond planes.

The first and third elevator actuators 158 a, b may include any of avariety of motors. In one embodiment, the first and third elevatoractuators 158 a, b may comprise electrical/electromechanical motors. Inother embodiments, the first and third elevator actuators 158 a, b mayinclude hydraulic motors.

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the first finger 104 a about to engage thefirst edge 118 of the external cover 110. A pliable material 162 isshown along at least a portion of the first finger 104 a configured toengage the first edge 118. The pliable material 162 may be adhered to aninterior surface of the first finger 104 a or may be otherwise affixedthereto. This pliable material 162 may enable superior engagementbetween the first finger 104 a and the external cover 110, and may alsoprevent the first finger 104 a from scuffing, scratching or otherwisemarring the external cover 110 during the assembly process.

FIG. 7 is a magnified view of the second finger 106 a. A pliablematerial 164 is shown along at least a portion of the second finger 106a configured to engage the second edge 122. The pliable material 164 maybe adhered to an interior surface of the second finger 106 a or may beotherwise affixed thereto. This pliable material 164 may enable superiorengagement between the second finger 106 a and the external cover 110,and may also prevent the second finger 106 a from scuffing, scratchingor otherwise marring the external cover 110 during the assembly process.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for a method 800 of assembling anexternal storage device, according to one illustrated embodiment. Thismethod 800 will be discussed in the context of the storage deviceassembly fixture 100 of FIGS. 1-7, and will be described with referenceto FIGS. 9-16. However, the acts disclosed herein may be executed usingany of a variety of assembly fixtures, in accordance with the describedmethod.

As described herein, at least some of the acts comprising the method 800may be orchestrated by a processor according to an automaticmanufacturing algorithm, based at least in part on computer-readableinstructions stored in computer-readable memory and executable by theprocessor. A manual implementation of one or more acts of the method 800may also be employed, in other embodiments.

At act 802, an external cover 110 and a storage device 132 are provided,the external cover 110 having a first face 112 and a second face 114generally parallel to and opposing the first face 112, the first face112 coupled to the second face 114 at a back end 116 of the externalcover 110, the first face 112 defining a first edge 118 at a front end120 of the external cover 110 opposite the back end 116, and the secondface 114 defining a second edge 122 at the front end 120. The externalcover 110 and the storage device 132 may be provided in a variety ofways. In one embodiment, the external cover 110 comprises a moldedthermoplastic, and the storage device 132 comprises any of a variety ofdigital storage media.

At act 804, the external cover 110 is placed within a storage deviceassembly fixture 100, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, theexternal cover 110 is placed within the storage device assembly fixture100 using a robotic arm. However, in other embodiments, a human operatormay place the external cover 110 within the storage device assemblyfixture 100.

The external cover 110 may be placed within the storage device assemblyfixture 100 in a variety of orientations. In one embodiment, the firstface 112 of the external cover 110 is placed against a platform 102 ofthe storage device assembly fixture 100. In other embodiments, thesecond face 114 of the external cover 110 may be placed against theplatform 102. In still other embodiments, the storage device assemblyfixture 100 may not include a platform.

When placing the external cover 110 within the storage device assemblyfixture 100, the back end 116 of the external cover 110 may bepositioned against a nest 144 near the platform 102. This positioningmay enable more precise and repeatable orientation of the external cover110 within the storage device assembly fixture 100. In some embodiments,a bias force may then be exerted against at least one side edge 166 ofthe external cover 110 extending between the back end 116 and the frontend 120 in order to position the external cover 110 before engaging thefirst edge 118 with the first finger 104 a and the second edge 122 withthe second finger 106 a. As described in greater detail above, this biasforce may be exerted by a bias actuator 146 (see FIG. 5). The biasactuator 146 may push the external cover 110 against the opposite wall148, in order to repeatably and precisely position the external cover110 within the storage device assembly fixture 100.

In one embodiment, the storage device assembly fixture 100 mayautomatically detect the external cover 110 positioned against the nest144. For example, a cover loaded sensor 150 may be used to detect whenthe external cover 110 has been properly positioned against the nest144. The bias force may then be exerted on the external cover 110 basedat least in part on the detection. This algorithm may, in someembodiments, be controlled via a PLC coupled to both the cover loadedsensor 150 and the bias actuator 146.

At act 806, the first edge 118 is engaged with a first finger 104 a. Atact 808, the second edge 122 is engaged with a second finger 106 a. Insome embodiments, these acts are executed substantially simultaneously.However, in other embodiments, they may be executed at separate times inthe assembly process.

As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the act of engagingthe first edge 118 with the first finger 104 a may include movement ofthe first finger 104 a along a few different axes. In one embodiment,the first finger 104 a may initially be moved along the axis 160 untilat least some portion of the first finger 104 a extends between firstand second planes extending generally parallel with the first and secondfaces 112, 114, respectively. This position is illustrated in FIG. 10A.The first finger 104 a may then be moved along the first plane intoengagement with the first edge 118, as illustrated in FIG. 10B. Asdescribed above, the first finger 104 a may be moved along the axis 160using the first elevator actuator 158 a, while the first finger 104 amay be moved along the first plane using the first finger actuator 154a. Each of these actuators 154 a, 158 a may be controlled by a PLC. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, different systems of actuators and othermovement paradigms may be used in order to engage the first edge 118with the first finger 104 a. The third finger 104 b may be similarlymoved into engagement with the first edge 118.

In one embodiment, engaging the second edge 122 with the second finger106 a may further include pivoting the second finger 106 a until atleast some portion of the second finger 106 a extends between first andsecond planes extending generally parallel with the first and secondfaces 112, 114, respectively. This position is illustrated in FIG. 10A.The second finger 106 a may then be moved along the second plane intoengagement with the second edge 122, as illustrated in FIG. 10B. Asdescribed above, the second finger 106 a may be pivoted via rotation ofthe pivot assembly 108, while the second finger 106 a may be moved alongthe second plane using the second finger actuator 140 a. Of course, inother embodiments, different systems of actuators and other movementparadigms may be used in order to engage the second edge 122 with thesecond finger 106 a. The fourth finger 106 b may be similarly moved intoengagement with the second edge 122.

In one embodiment, a bias force is applied to push the second finger 106a against the second edge 122. The second finger 106 a may thus moveradially away from or towards a pivot axis A about which the secondfinger 106 a pivots while the second finger 106 a pivots away from thefirst finger 104 a to move the second face 114 away from the first face112. In one embodiment, the bias force may be generated by air pressure,although other structures for generating the bias force may be used inother embodiments.

At act 810, the second finger 106 a is pivoted away from the firstfinger 104 a to move the second face 114 away from the first face 112.The second finger 106 a may be pivoted away from the first finger 104 aby any of a variety of structures. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the second finger 106 a may be coupled to a pivot assembly 108,and a linear actuator 168 may be actuated to engage the pivot assembly108. Movement of the linear actuator 168 and the resultant pivoting ofthe pivot assembly 108 is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In one embodiment, the second finger 106 a is pivoted away from thefirst finger 104 a such that the second face 114 forms approximately athirty degree angle to the first face 112, as illustrated in FIG. 12.This angle may allow insertion of the storage device 132 withoutexcessive deformation of the external cover 110. In other embodiments,smaller or larger angles may be formed between the first and secondfaces 112, 114, based upon the corresponding geometries of the externalcover 110 and the storage device 132.

At act 812, the storage device 132 is inserted between the first face112 and the second face 114 of the external cover 110, as illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B. In one embodiment, the storage device 132 is insertedwithin the external cover 110 using a robotic arm. However, in otherembodiments, a human operator may place the storage device 132 withinthe external cover 110.

In one embodiment, after inserting the storage device 132, the secondfinger 106 a may be pivoted between approximately five and ten degreesback towards the first finger 104 a, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In otherembodiments, the second finger 106 a may be pivoted by a greater orlesser angle back towards the first finger 104 a. This reduction in theangle between the first face 112 and the second face 114 may enable acontrolled relaxation of the external cover 110 before the externalcover 110 is allowed to snap shut about the storage device 132.

In one embodiment, the storage device assembly fixture 100 mayautomatically detect insertion of the storage device 132. For example, astorage device loaded sensor 152 (not shown in FIGS. 13-16) may be usedto detect when the storage device 132 has been properly positionedwithin the external cover 110. The second finger 106 a may then bepivoted back towards the first finger 104 a based at least in part onthe detection. This algorithm may, in some embodiments, be controlledvia a PLC coupled to both the storage device loaded sensor 134 and thelinear actuator 168.

After pivoting the second finger 106 a back towards the first finger 104a, the second finger 106 a may be retracted from the second edge 122.This may allow the second face 114 of the external cover 110 to relaxtowards the first face 112. Then, after retracting the second finger 106a, the first finger 104 a may be retracted from the first edge 118. Insome embodiments, retraction of the second finger 106 a and the firstfinger 104 a may be executed substantially simultaneously; however, inother embodiments, the fingers 104 a, 106 a may be retracted atdifferent times. As illustrated in FIG. 15, by retracting the first andsecond fingers 104 a, 106 a, the external cover 110 relaxes against thestorage device 132 without trapping the first or second fingers 104 a,106 a between the external cover 110 and the storage device 132.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example end result of the above assembly acts,according to one illustrated embodiment, wherein the external cover 110and the storage device 132 are ready for removal from the storage deviceassembly fixture 100. As illustrated, the external cover 110 does notcompletely surround and envelop the storage device 132. Instead,additional manipulation of the external cover 110 and the storage device132 are necessary to complete the assembly process. Of course, in otherembodiments, the storage device assembly fixture 100 may be designed tofully assemble the external storage device, such that additionalmanufacturing acts are not necessary.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics,and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, schematics, and examplescontain one or more functions and/or operations, each function and/oroperation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Inone embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented viaApplication Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However, theembodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalentlyimplemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more programsexecuted by one or more processors, as one or more programs executed byone or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof.

We claim:
 1. A method of assembling an external storage device, themethod comprising: providing an external cover to a storage deviceassembly fixture, the external cover having a first face and a secondface generally parallel to and opposing the first face, the first facecoupled to the second face at a back end of the external cover, thefirst face defining a first edge at a front end of the external coveropposite the back end, and the second face defining a second edge at thefront end; placing the external cover within the storage device assemblyfixture; engaging the first edge of the external cover with a firstfinger of the storage device assembly fixture; engaging the second edgeof the external cover with a second finger of the storage deviceassembly fixture; pivoting the second finger away from the first fingerto move the second face of the external cover away from the first faceof the external cover; and inserting a storage device between the firstface and the second face of the external cover.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein placing the external cover includes placing the first face ofthe external cover against a platform of the storage device assemblyfixture.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein placing the external coverfurther includes positioning the back end of the external cover againsta nest near the platform.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprisingexerting a bias force against at least one side edge of the externalcover extending between the back end and the front end in order toposition the external cover before engaging the first edge with thefirst finger and the second edge with the second finger.
 5. The methodof claim 4, further comprising automatically detecting the externalcover positioned against the nest, and exerting the bias force based atleast in part on the detection.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinengaging the first edge with the first finger includes moving the firstfinger along a first axis until at least some portion of the firstfinger extends between first and second planes extending generallyparallel with the first and second faces, respectively, and then movingthe first finger along the first plane into engagement with the firstedge.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein engaging the second edge withthe second finger includes pivoting the second finger until at leastsome portion of the second finger extends between first and secondplanes extending generally parallel with the first and second faces,respectively, and then moving the second finger along the second planeinto engagement with the second edge.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinengaging the second edge with the second finger includes applying a biasforce to push the second finger against the second edge, and wherein thesecond finger may move radially away from or towards a pivot axis aboutwhich the second finger pivots while the second finger pivots away fromthe first finger to move the second face away from the first face. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein pivoting the second finger away from thefirst finger includes actuating a linear actuator to engage a pivotassembly coupled to the second finger.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein pivoting the second finger away from the first finger to movethe second face away from the first face includes pivoting the secondfinger such that the second face forms approximately a thirty degreeangle to the first face.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingpivoting the second finger between approximately five and ten degreesback towards the first finger after inserting the storage device. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising retracting the second fingerfrom the second edge after pivoting the second finger betweenapproximately five and ten degrees back towards the first finger. 13.The method of claim 12, further comprising retracting the first fingerfrom the first edge after retracting the second finger.
 14. The methodof claim 11, further comprising automatically detecting insertion of thestorage device, and pivoting the second finger between approximatelyfive and ten degrees back towards the first finger based at least inpart on the detection.